Steps Toward Recovery

Since the snow has melted, mom has started taking me on long walks through the hills and forests around the farm. Sometimes Windy or Archie comes with us, but most of the time it's just me and mom.

Our first walk was a mess. I was so scared to be away from the farm and the other dogs. Every tree branch cracking made me hit the ground. I've never been in the woods without a harness on before. I didn't know you could just walk in the woods for the fun of it! I kept trying to run in circles around mom.

Every time we go for a walk I get a little better. I'm learning how to walk on a leash properly. My old owner never used to walk me on a leash, he just grabbed my collar when he unchained me and walked me up on my hind legs to the gangline where I was strapped into harness. The I just ran, ran and ran some more. Then back on my chain. This whole "leash walkig for fun" thing is kind of neat.

I like scenting and finding deer. We see deer almost every time we walk. And sometimes we see bunnies. Yesterday, we saw a quail! I think I scared it but that little bird had no idea how bad it scared me when it came bursting out of the bushes!! I hit the ground and dove between mom's legs.

Mom says eventually, once I'm really good at walking on-lead in the woods and fields, that she will take me into town and we will start walking on the sidewalk. I'm definitely not ready for that yet! She says I'll have to get used to cars, people, other dogs, different smells, more noises... I'm getting nervous just thinking about it! But hopefully I will be brave enough in a couple months to go "into town" as she calls it. Everyone keep your paws crossed for me, please!